Elevated Coaster

ABSTRACT

An elevated coaster includes a base section that has a generally square cross-sectional shape. A first side of the base section has walls forming an open-top container for containing objects. An opposing second side of the base section is for resting on a surface. A pillar has a first end and a distal second end; the first end is connected to and depends centrally from the first side of the base section. The elevated coaster includes an elevated section that has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The upper surface of the elevated section has a rim sized to contain the glass or the cup and an opposing lower surface of the elevated section is connected to the second end of the pillar, thereby elevating the elevated section above the surface on which the base section rests.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of utensils for serving food and more particularly to a coaster that is elevated above a surface on which it rests.

BACKGROUND

Drink coasters are well known. Drink coasters are typically used as a “go between,” protecting a surface on which a cup or glass is placed. Drink coasters perform several functions, including reducing wear on surfaces such as counters, tables, and reducing moisture contact with such surfaces, especially in humid climates when cold drinks are contained within the cup or glass. In a very low-cost form, typical coasters are simple thick sheets of cardboard or cork, cut either square or round, and being slightly wider than the expected cup or glass. Other types of coasters are more decorative, sometimes made of plastic, wood, or ceramic and often having a soft material on a lower surface to protect the counter/table from scratches. Some such coasters have an absorbent material on a top surface to absorb moisture (e.g., cork, paper, cloth).

Prior coasters are typically between ⅛ inch thick and ½ inch thick and being so, these coasters usually don't elevate the glass or cup to any significant height above the surface on which they rest. As such, the glass or cup is basically at table level. On a crowded table, it may be difficult to grasp the glass or cup that is surrounded by other objects, presenting a spilling or breakage issue, etc. Further, when moving the glass or cup from one place to another, it is difficult to relocate the coaster along with the glass or cup.

What is needed is an elevated coaster that will raise the cup or glass to a height above a surface as well as provide simplified transport features in addition to carrying items while providing more table real estate.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an elevated coaster is disclosed including a base section for resting on a surface (and optionally containing objects) and a pillar having a first end and a distal second end. The first end of the pillar is connected to and depends from a first side of the base section. An elevated section is connected to the second end of the pillar. An upper surface of the elevated section is sized to contain a glass or a cup.

In another embodiment, an elevated coaster is disclosed including a base section that has a generally square cross-sectional shape. The base section is for resting on a surface and, optionally, holding objects. A cylindrical pillar has a first end and a distal second end; the first end connected to and depending from a first side of the base section. An elevated section that has a circular cross-sectional shape is connected to the second end of the pillar. An upper surface of the elevated section is sized to contain a glass or a cup, positioning the glass or cup at an elevation above the surface.

In another embodiment, an elevated coaster is disclosed including a base section that has a square cross-sectional shape. A first side of the base section has walls forming an open-top container for containing objects. The base section is for resting on a surface and optionally holding objects. A cylindrical pillar has a first end and a distal second end; the first end is connected to and depends centrally from the first side of the base section. The elevated coaster includes an elevated section that has a circular cross-sectional shape. The upper surface of the elevated section has a rim sized to contain the glass or the cup and an opposing lower surface of the elevated section is connected to the second end of the pillar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an elevated coaster holding a cup and assorted items.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the elevated coaster holding a glass and different assorted items.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the elevated coaster.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the elevated coaster.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the elevated coaster in disassembled form and packed into a compact shipping package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an elevated coaster 10 holding a cup 30 and assorted items 32 is shown. As often happens on smaller tables, especially in restaurants, it is difficult to reach a glass 40 (see FIG. 2) or cup 30, as the glass 40 or cup 30 is often surrounded by other serving items such as salt/pepper shakers, bread baskets, serving bowls, center pieces, candles, etc. Often, one must pick up the glass 40 or cup 30 between their fingers, grasping at the rim of the glass 40 or cup 30. This often leads to discomfort when the glass 40 or cup 30 contains hot liquids or spilling, as when the glass 40 or cup 30 contains cold liquids, condensation often forms on the outer surfaces of the glass 40 or cup 30. Further, there are sanitary reasons for not touching the rim of the glass 40 or cup 30 with one's fingers.

The elevated coaster 10 performs the function of lifting the glass 40 or cup 30 to a height that enables better grasping of the glass 40 or cup 30 by holding the body of the glass 40 or placing one or two fingers in the handle of a cup 30.

The elevated coaster 10 includes an elevated section 12 upon which the glass 40 or cup 30 is placed, a base section 16 that rests on a surface such as a counter or table, and a pillar 14 that separates the elevated section 12 from the base section 16. In some embodiments, the pillar is between three and six inches in length to provide approximately three to six inches of height to the elevated section. Although not required, the base section 16 has walls (as shown) to help contain the contents such as assorted items 32 (e.g. sugar packets, salt and pepper shakers, etc.). This provides additional table real estate, eliminating the need for a separate container for holding such assorted items 32.

The elevated coaster 10 is graspable from beneath the elevated section 12, enabling carrying of the glass 40/cup 30 along with the coaster 10 and any contents of the base section 16. In this way, when one moves, for example to change tables, they are able to carry their glass 30/cup 30 along with the contents (e.g., assorted items 32) by carrying the elevated coaster 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the elevated coaster holding a glass 40 (e.g., a wine glass) and different assorted items 44 is shown. As often happens on smaller tables, especially in restaurants, it is difficult to reach a glass 40 (see FIG. 2), as such is often surrounded by other serving items such as salt/pepper shakers, bread baskets, cheese plates, additional glasses, center pieces, candles, etc. Often, one must pick up the glass 40 between their fingers, grasping at the rim of the glass 40. This often leads to spilling or breaking, as when the glass 40 contains liquids, some liquids wind up on the outside of the glass 40 or condensation forms on the outer surfaces of the glass 40.

The elevated coaster 10 performs the function of lifting the glass 40 to a height that enables better grasping of such by holding the glass 40 by a stem, etc.

The elevated coaster 10 includes an elevated section 12 upon which the glass 40 is placed, a base section 16 that rests on a surface such as a counter or table, and a pillar 14 that separates the elevated section 12 from the base section 16. In some embodiments, the pillar is between three and six inches in length to provide approximately three to six inches of height to the elevated section. Although not required, the base section 16 has walls to help contain the contents such as other assorted items 44 (e.g. chunks of cheese, crackers, bread, chocolates, etc.). This provides additional table real estate, eliminating the need for a separate container for holding such other assorted items 44.

Note, there is no limitation on the types of items that are carried in the base section 16, nor the shape of the base section 16. For example, the base section is sized to hold a salt and pepper shaker, peanuts, popcorn, edamame, fruits and any other food items, pens, pencils, paper clips, sticky-back notes, etc.

The elevated coaster 10 is graspable from beneath the elevated section 12, enabling carrying of the glass 40 along with the coaster 10 and any contents of the base section 16. In this way, when one moves about, for example at a wine tasting or dinner social, they are able to carry their glass 30 along with the contents (e.g., other assorted items 44 such as cheese and crackers) by carrying the elevated coaster 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, a bottom perspective view of the elevated coaster 10 is shown. The elevated coaster 10 includes an elevated section 12 upon which the cup 30 or glass 40 (or any suitable object) is placed, a base section 16 that rests on a surface such as a counter or table, and a pillar 14 that separates the elevated section 12 from the base section 16. It is fully anticipated that the elevated section 12, the base section 16, and the pillar 14 be made of the same, similar or different materials. For example, the base section 16 is made of stone and the elevated section 12 and the pillar 14 are made of wood; or in another example, the elevated section 12, the base section 16, and the pillar 14 are made of wood. Other suitable materials are also anticipated, for example but not limited to, ceramic, plastic, glass, stone, etc.

In some embodiments a bottom surface of the base section 16 includes a section or multiple sections of a sheet of soft material 18 such as rubber or cork. This sheet of soft material 18 helps protect a surface on which the elevated coaster 10 rests from scratches and marring, especially when the base section 16 is made of an abrasive, hard material such as stone or ceramic.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top perspective view of the elevated coaster 10 is shown. The elevated coaster 10 includes an elevated section 12 upon which the glass 40 is placed. In some embodiments an upper surface of the elevated section 12 includes a section or multiple sections of a sheet of soft and/or absorbent material 19 such as cork, cloth, or felt. This sheet of soft material 19 helps protect the bottom surface of the cup 30 or glass 40 from scratches and marring, especially when the elevated section 12 is made of an abrasive, hard material such as stone or ceramic. The sheet of soft material 19 also changes the sound when the cup 30 or glass 40 is placed on the elevated coaster 10 and reduces sliding of the cup 30 or glass 40 on the elevated section 12 when the width of the cup 30 or glass 40 is smaller than the width of the elevated section 12. Note, in a preferred embodiment, the elevated section 12 includes walls to help contain the cup 30 or glass 40, though this is not required.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the elevated coaster 10 in disassembled form and packed into a compact shipping package is shown. Although, in some embodiments, the elevated coaster 10 is provided in assembled form, to better facilitate shipping, storage, inventory, etc., in some embodiments, the elevated coaster 10 is provided in separate pieces including a separate piece for the elevated section, a separate piece for the base section 16, and a separate piece for the pillar 14. In some embodiments, the base section 16 has a cross-sectional width that is large enough to accept the elevated section 12 within the base section 16 (as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 5), or visa versa. In some embodiments, the pillar section 14 is sized to fit within the elevated section 12 (as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 5) or sized to fit within the base section 16. In this, a smaller package as in the lower portion of FIG. 5 is provided for shipping, stocking, etc., and erected by the end user. Any form of assembly is anticipated including the use of an adhesive or a dowel-like fitting of the pillar section 14 into holes within the bottom of the elevated section 12 and the top surface of the base section 10.

Further, it is anticipated that in some embodiments, a first end of the pillar section 14 removably snaps or press-fits into a hole within the bottom of the elevated section 12 and, likewise, a distal, second end of the pillar section 14 removably snaps or press-fits into a hole in the top surface of the base section 10. There is no limitation as to the mechanism used to removably hold the ends of the pillar section 14 within the elevated section 12 and the base section 10. Further, there is no limitation that holes are required, as other removable attachment mechanisms are equally anticipated. In embodiments in which the pillar section 14 is removable, so that when not in use, the elevated coaster 10 is easily disassembled and organized as shown in the bottom of FIG. 5 for storage.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

1. An elevated coaster comprising: a base section for resting on a surface; a pillar having a first end and a distal second end distanced apart by a length of the pillar, the first end of the pillar connected to and depending from a first side of the base section; and an elevated section connected to the second end of the pillar, the elevated section having a rim, a rim width of the rim sized to contain a glass or a cup; whereas the length of the pillar is less than the rim width.
 2. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the elevated section has a soft material for interfacing with a bottom surface of the glass or the cup.
 3. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein a second side that opposes the first side of the base section includes a cushion material to protect a surface on which the elevated coaster is placed.
 4. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein the first side of the base section further comprises four walls forming an open-top container for containing objects.
 5. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein the pillar fits within the rim for storage.
 6. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are made of a stone material.
 7. The elevated coaster of claim 1, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are made of a material selected from wood, ceramic, stone, and plastic.
 8. An elevated coaster comprising: a base section having a square cross-sectional shape, the base section for resting on a surface; a cylindrical pillar having a first end and a distal second end that are distanced apart by a length of the pillar, the first end of the pillar connected to and depending from a first side of the base section; and an elevated section having a circular cross-sectional shape with a rim, the rim has a rim inside diameter sized to contain a glass or a cup, the elevated section connected to the second end of the pillar; whereas the length of the pillar is less than the elevated section diameter.
 9. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the elevated section has a soft material for interfacing with a bottom surface of the glass or the cup.
 10. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein a second side that opposes the first side of the base section includes a cushion material to protect a surface on which the elevated coaster is placed.
 11. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein the first side of the base section further comprises four walls forming an open-top container for containing objects.
 12. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein the pillar fits within the rim for storage.
 13. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are made of a stone material.
 14. The elevated coaster of claim 8, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are provided as separate pieces in a kit.
 15. An elevated coaster comprising: a base section having a square cross-sectional shape, a first side of the base section further comprises walls forming an open-top container for containing objects, the base section for resting on a surface; a cylindrical pillar having a first end and a distal second end distanced apart by a length of the pillar, the first end of the pillar connected to and depending centrally from the first side of the base section; and an elevated section with a rim that has a tubular cross-sectional shape, the rim has a rim inside diameter sized to contain a glass or a cup, the elevated section connected to the second end of the pillar; whereas the length of the pillar is less than the elevated section width.
 16. The elevated coaster of claim 15, wherein the upper surface of the elevated section has a soft material for interfacing with a bottom surface of the glass or the cup.
 17. The elevated coaster of claim 15, wherein a second side that opposes the first side of the base section includes a cushion material to protect a surface on which the elevated coaster is placed.
 18. The elevated coaster of claim 15, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are made of a stone material.
 19. The elevated coaster of claim 15, wherein the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are provided as separate pieces in a kit.
 20. The elevated coaster of claim 19, wherein after assembly and use of the elevated coaster, the base section, the pillar, and the elevated section are disassembled for storage such that the pillar fits within the elevated section and the elevated section fits within the base section. 